By Mike Gabriele
This year marked the 6th Annual Runners For Others, an Ignatian 5K, held at Baltimore’s historic Patterson Park on April 7, 2018. Despite being a couple weeks into spring, the morning was more than a little crisp… it was down-right cold. In fact, a few snow flurries mingled with runners prior to race time. With nearly 160 registered for the race, 100 braved the February-like chill to run and walk for social ministry programs at our Baltimore-area Jesuit schools, parishes and apostolates.
Runners huddle up and warm up before the 5K kicks off.
At 9:00 am, Fr. A.J. Rizzo, SJ, of St. Ignatius Church who was ordained last June, led the runners in a prayer before officially starting the 5K through scenic Patterson Park. Congratulations to Michael Wegner who won for the second year in a row with a winning time of 17 min. 25 sec., and to Rebecca Scardelletti who came in first place for the women, with a time of 21 min. 54 sec.
And they’re off!
This year’s Beyond The Finish Line award was presented to Vonetta Edwards, a volunteer from St. Ignatius Parish who has dedicated much of her time to helping refugees and immigrant families in Baltimore. The Beyond the Finish Line award is given to individuals who exemplify what it means to be a brother or sister for others.
Refugee advocate, Vonetta Edwards, received the Beyond The Finish Line Award.
The turnout from family and friends is always appreciated, and we thank everyone who showed up to help cheer on the runners, especially on such a cold spring morning. We also extend a very sincere thanks to all the race sponsors and volunteers who help make this such a successful event each year. From financial support, to in-kind donations (like these great photos from Coyle Studios), to volunteers who help with everything from setting up to handing out water along the route, we couldn’t have done it without you.
The hills of Patterson Park were no match for the Runners For Others.
A very special thank you to our race committee co-chairs, Steve Eberle and Justin White. They dedicate so much of their spare time to leading our race committee in the planning and implementation of this great event. Steve is the regional director for the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, and Justin White works for Ignatian Mission and Identity at Loyola Blakefield.
Michael Wegner is the first to cross the finish line!
Follow future Ignatian 5K details and information on Facebook.
Brothers for others – St. Ignatius Loyola Academy students wouldn’t miss this run for anything!